Joshua 2:1-14

If one would make a most-likely-to-be-spiritual list, many individuals mentioned in scripture would not qualify, according to acceptable standards. However, there is comfort for all who will exercise faith in the sacrificial death of our resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, "for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b.

The children of Israel — the descendants of Abraham — were delivered from Egyptian bondage. Exodus 12:41, 42. Under the leadership of Moses, this group was led to the border of the promised land — the land of Canaan. The leadership passed to the man Joshua. Deuteronomy 1:38. Thus, a new chapter in the history of this nation was about to begin.

This group had already seen military victories. At the point of their crossing the Jordan River into the promised, they were living on property that had been obtained by the overthrow of some of the most powerful kings in that area. Numbers 21:21-35. Yet, this was not the land that had been promised to Abraham. Genesis 15:5, 18-21. In this new generation the necessity of obeying the revealed word of God had to be the guiding principle regarding all actions — religious, social, governmental and financial. Joshua 1:1-9.

Forty years earlier, a group of 12 spies were sent into the promised land. Numbers 13:1-3, 21-33. The majority report indicated that the children of Israel were not capable of conquering this land. This attitude delayed the receiving of the promise.

Joshua did not depend upon tribal representatives to spy out the land. We are told that he "sent out of Shittim two man to spy secretly, saying, Go, view the land, even Jericho." Joshua 2:1a. These unnamed men "went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there." Joshua 2:1b.

The inhabitants of the land of Canaan were aware of the fact that the men had come into their land. "And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country." Joshua 2:2. The king acted immediately upon the information that had been given. "And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country." Joshua 2:3. Her actions showed that she was at least a sympathizer with the cause that the men represented — "And the woman took the two men, and hid them…" Joshua 2:4a. Her verbal response, though possibly inaccurate — "There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were…(Joshua 2:4b) — changed the focus of the search. Joshua 2:5.

The record described the scene as it unfolded within the house. "But she brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof." Joshua 2:6. Her conversation with the men revealed the fear that had developed within the hearts of the citizens of Jericho. "And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you." Joshua 2:9. She related the reports that had reached their land concerning the great miracles that had accompanied their journey from their land of captivity. Joshua 2:10.

The attitude of the inhabitants of Canaan was described by Rahab. "And as soon as we heard these things, out hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you; for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in the earth beneath." Joshua 2:11. This was a great statement of faith by a woman who had spent her life as one who worshipped idols.

After Rahab had given the men a great deal of information regarding the attitude of the people of the land, she made her request for personal consideration when the coming conquest was accomplished. "Now therefore, I pray you, sware unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death." Joshua 2:12, 13. This request regarding all of her household shows us the loving heart that beat within the breast of one who was looked down by society.

The men listened to her request, and gave her assurance. "And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee." Joshua 2:14. Upon receiving this assurance, we are told that "she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall." Joshua 2:15. She instructed the men to remain in the mountains for three days in order to frustrate those who would pursue them. Joshua 2:16. Before the men left the city, they gave specific instruction to Rahab, to assure the safety of herself, and all of her household. Joshua 2:17- 21.

Since we know the rest of the story,"Jericho was taken, and Rahab and her family were delivered. Joshua 6:23, 25. This woman was accepted into the nation of the children of Israel. As we read the book of the generation of Jesus Christ…the name "Rachab" is revealed as distant grandmother of King David, and thus, part of the earthly ancestry of our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:1-6. She, too, is listed in the heroes of the faith. Hebrews 11:31.

Even though we might have included Rahab in our spiritual list, God used her willing heart. Are we willing to be used of God in his work on this earth? We might see ourselves as less than qualified for spiritual work, we must offer ourselves to God for his service.